Stopping Steph: It’s a tall task

The Warriors' Stephen Curry averaged 26.0 points per game and was 14 of 40 on 3-point attempts (46.7 percent) in three games against the Spurs this season.

The Warriors' Stephen Curry averaged 26.0 points per game and was 14 of 40 on 3-point attempts (46.7 percent) in three games against the Spurs this season.

Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

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The Warriors' Stephen Curry celebrates after making a 3-pointer against the Spurs in Oakland on April 15, 2013. Golden State won 116-106.

The Warriors' Stephen Curry celebrates after making a 3-pointer against the Spurs in Oakland on April 15, 2013. Golden State won 116-106.

Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press

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The Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) makes a 3-pointer next to the Spurs' Cory Joseph (5) in Oakland on April 15, 2013. Golden State won 116-106.

The Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) makes a 3-pointer next to the Spurs' Cory Joseph (5) in Oakland on April 15, 2013. Golden State won 116-106.

Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press

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The Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) celebrates with teammates after making a 3-pointer against the Spurs in Oakland on April 15, 2013. Golden State won 116-106.

The Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) celebrates with teammates after making a 3-pointer against the Spurs in Oakland on April 15, 2013. Golden State won 116-106.

Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press

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The Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) scores next to the Spurs' Patty Mills in Oakland on April 15, 2013. Golden State won 116-106.

The Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) scores next to the Spurs' Patty Mills in Oakland on April 15, 2013. Golden State won 116-106.

Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press

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The Warriors' Stephen Curry (left) shoots over the Spurs' Tim Duncan March 20, 2013 at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won 104-93.

The Warriors' Stephen Curry (left) shoots over the Spurs' Tim Duncan March 20, 2013 at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won 104-93.

Photo: Darren Abate / Associated Press

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Stephen Curry of the Warriors dribbles down court against the Spurs on Feb, 22, 2013 in Oakland.

Stephen Curry of the Warriors dribbles down court against the Spurs on Feb, 22, 2013 in Oakland.

Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

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The Warriors' Stephen Curry drives on the Spurs' Danny Green on Feb. 22, 2013 in Oakland.

The Warriors' Stephen Curry drives on the Spurs' Danny Green on Feb. 22, 2013 in Oakland.

Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

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Stephen Curry of the Warriors reacts after the Warriors scored against the Spurs on Feb. 22, 2013 in Oakland.

Stephen Curry of the Warriors reacts after the Warriors scored against the Spurs on Feb. 22, 2013 in Oakland.

Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

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Stephen Curry (30) and David Lee of the Warriors celebrated during the final minute of their overtime win against the Spurs on Feb. 22, 2013 in Oakland.

Stephen Curry (30) and David Lee of the Warriors celebrated during the final minute of their overtime win against the Spurs on Feb. 22, 2013 in Oakland.

Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

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The Spurs' Manu Ginobili (right) drives the ball against the Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) on Feb. 22, 2013, in Oakland. At left is Spurs' Tiago Splitter (22).

The Spurs' Manu Ginobili (right) drives the ball against the Warriors' Stephen Curry (30) on Feb. 22, 2013, in Oakland. At left is Spurs' Tiago Splitter (22).

Photo: Ben Margot / Associated Press

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Stopping Steph: It's a tall task

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By Mike Monroe, Staff Writer

Veteran NBA scouts and coaches have seen just about everything, but even they admit getting caught up admiring the play of Golden State point guard Stephen Curry, who made an NBA record 272 3-pointers this season.

The Spurs are heavily favored to win their second-round series against the Warriors, but they might run into trouble if they can’t at least make Curry work for his points.

Easier said than done.

One former NBA player-turned-scout recalled a game where he tossed aside his notepad so he could just sit back and watch Curry perform.

“If he’s on a roll, I don’t think there’s a heck of a lot anyone can do anyway,” he said. “What good is a scouting report when he shoots it so deep and gets it off so quick?

“I don’t have an answer for him, and I don’t think anyone else does, either.”

Still, the Spurs will need a game plan. One Western Conference scout jokingly suggested the team bring its greatest defensive stopper out of retirement.

“I compare Steph to Steve Nash,” the scout said, “and I expect everything the Spurs do to be similar to what they did against Nash in all those playoffs with the Suns.

“What they really need to do is bring Bruce Bowen out of retirement and let him beat the crap out of him just like he did to Steve.”

Scouts aren’t alone in befuddlement. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich stood, slack-jawed, as Curry blitzed his team with six 3-pointers, 22 points, two assists and five rebounds in the second half of the Warriors’ 116-106 victory at Oracle Arena on April 15.